Longtime Ski Coach Retires

The New Mexico skiing program has undergone a huge evolution since George Brooks took the helm in 1970. He has had 23 of his teams place in the top 10 at NCAA Championships, coached more than 85 All-Americans, and led the Lobos in 2004 to the school's first NCAA title. Over 100 of his student-athletes have garnered Academic All-American honors as well as all-conference awards. "I don't think I'll ever forget winning the national title," said the 57-year-old. "It was a history-making event for the university." Brooks grew up in Taos, where he joined an afternoon program that got him out of school early and on the slopes. A mere $1.50 covered transportation, lift pass, and lessons. He later joined the Taos Ski Valley junior race program. After graduating from Taos High School, Brooks chose UNM and began his coaching career at age 20. Since he first took over the team, jumping and downhill events were eliminated from NCAA competition, but in 1983, women's skiing was added. "I can say in the past 37 years, there hasn't been a day that I didn't want to get up and go to work," said Brooks. "But I decided I was going to leave when I was still on top of my game. It's just a good time. It all feels right."

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